Nine members of the band have been invited by the Perth Hills and Wheatbelt Band to participate in the 2023 Australian International Music Festival in Sydney. This is an adjudicated festival, and the Parkerville band members will be competing against musicians from around the country and around the world.

The members range in age from very experienced players in their 80s, 70s, 60s and 40s down to three very enthusiastic high school students. Parkerville Community Band members Penelope Blyth and Alexander Beardsmore (14) and Maya Pearce (12), will join Luis Dunne and Jonathan Bigelow (17) from the Perth Hills and Wheatbelt Band in making their international debut in Sydney, with performances in The Sydney Opera House, Angel Place Recital Hall, Darling Harbour and Manly. These outstanding young musicians have been especially chosen for their playing ability, and are being assisted by the Shire of Mundaring through the youth grant.

The Perth Hills and Wheatbelt Band are no strangers to this competition, and received a gold award when they entered in 2013. To help raise funds for the trip band members have been busy collecting cash for cans, tidyng up the neighbourhood and even doing verge and street cleaning. A grant from the Eastern Metropolitan Regional Council paid for a trailer to collect and deliver the cans, with the effort recently hitting 50,000 cans to pay for a band jacket for the 50 members travelling to Sydney.

Both bands appreciated the financial support from the shire but also want the help of our readers. Any donations of cash for cans containers from members of the public will be greatly received, and collecting can be organised by phoning Yvonne Blyth on 0416233277, or by delivering to the Parkerville Hall on Thursdays from 5pm to 6pm during rehearsal time. The band is always on the lookout for new members so if you are interested contact Yvonne.